Cuban deputy PM checks on drought in the eastern region of the country

HOLGUIN, Cuba, August 21 (ACN) Ines Maria Chapman Waugh, Cuba's deputy prime minister, reviewed strategies in Holguín focused on addressing the severe drought and ensuring water supplies to more than 60 affected communities.

Chapman Waugh explained that the capital city has a system designed to address this problem, which is affected every three years, so the sustainability and proper functioning of the infrastructure are essential.

She noted that the economic and budgetary plans must include the repair and renewal of equipment designed to maintain the vitality of the networks and ensure the water supply.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of activating the pumping stations at 20 Rosas and the Circunvalacion as soon as possible to enhance the operation of the Nipe-Gibara water transfer system and improve the situation in Holguin, the most affected territory.

She focused on water quality and electrical stability, through the installation of generators and other means to prevent supply interruptions and guarantee service to social institutions and the fulfillment of economic objectives.

Juan Mario Echavarria Hernandez, territorial delegate of Hydraulic Resources, said that the affected population exceeds 400,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of Calixto Garcia, Rafael Freyre, Urbano Noris, Frank Pais, and the main city.

He argued that to address the drought, pumps and motors are being repaired through productive linkages with the mechanical industry, and pressure valves are being installed in the systems.

For his part, Antonio Rodriguez Rodriguez, president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, emphasized the need to constantly monitor industries and hospitals, major consumers, and the supply of water through pipelines to vulnerable communities.

He warned about illegal activities at the pipelines, considered sabotage, which harms the quality and accessibility of the service,and also highlighted the actions aimed at increasing the volume of water transferred and activating local sources.

Manuel Hernandez Aguilera, governor of Holguin, and other authorities monitoring the effects of the drought in the region participated in the meeting.

July and August were the driest months in the last 10 years; therefore, efforts are being made to restore pipelines, repair pumping equipment, eliminate leaks, and install access points in affected settlements.